Skip to content From youth leaders to seasoned healers, our speakers represent the resilience and brilliance of Black women and girls. You’ll hear from artists, educators, mental health advocates, and community trailblazers who are lighting the path forward.
Mary Merriweather
Dr. Joy Angela DeGruy
Dr. Joy Angela DeGruy is a prominent researcher, educator, and author who has spent over 30 years studying and working in the field of social work, with a focus on the impacts of racism, trauma, and slavery on African Americans. For over two decades, she served as an Assistant Professor at Portland State University’s School of Social Work and now serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Joy DeGruy Publications Inc. Additionally, Dr. DeGruy serves as the Executive Director of the nonprofit organization, Be The Healing Inc. and is currently a Distinguished Visiting Scholar at Morehouse College.
Dr. DeGruy holds multiple advanced degrees and is renowned for her acclaimed book “Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome: America’s Legacy of Enduring Injury and Healing,” which examines historical trauma in African American communities. Dr. DeGruy lectures extensively, has presented her work globally, and has received prestigious awards including the American Psychological Association’s Presidents Award in 2023. Her scholarship is highly influential, with over 1,700 citations of her seminal book. In addition to her research and writing, Dr. DeGruy has developed evidence-based models to support communities of color.
Tra’Renee
Tra’Renee is an Emmy and Telly Award-winning television and radio personality, widely known as the “Face and Voice of Portland.” With over 30 years in media, she hosts “Tra’Renee in the Midday” on iHeart Media’s JAM’N 107.5. Also a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, she merges her media platform with mental health advocacy to uplift her community, championing resilience and encouragement for women and families.
Dr. Bahia Cross Overton
Dr. Overton is the Executive Director of the nonprofit Black Parent Initiative, where she leads in creating trauma-informed and culturally rooted systems of support for multi-ethnic children. The author of “The Mirror Project,” she is also Vice President for Joy DeGruy Publications, where she assists in researching historical trauma and co-developing new models for culturally responsive service delivery.
Tamra Hickok
Tamra serves as the Director of Data & Program Innovation at Self Enhancement, Inc. (SEI), where she has dedicated over 20 years to transforming the lives of Northeast Portland youth. From frontline advocacy to executive leadership, Tamra has helped ensure that underrepresented students have the resources to dream big. She combines her psychology background with deep resilience to foster community impact and empowerment.
Ajai Brown-Hale
Ajai is an educator and a multifaceted creative with over 20 years of experience in teaching and the performance arts. She seamlessly blends her passion with her deep-rooted faith and expertise in psychology. She also serves her community as a worship leader and as the Health and Wellness Chair for the NAACP Vancouver Branch.
Mika Keegstra
Mika is a public health trainer and community leader with more than ten years of expertise in creating learning experiences for teenagers. Currently the Community Adolescent Health Manager for the Multnomah County Health Department, she is passionate about facilitating meaningful dialogues around adolescent health and mental wellness that inspire action and lead to lasting impact.
Tia B. Coachman
Tia is a leadership coach, facilitator, and speaker who helps leaders navigate change, challenge, and conflict with greater alignment and self-trust. She creates steady, reflective spaces where individuals and groups can pause, reconnect with themselves, and lead with intention. Her work is grounded in deep listening, presence, and meaningful support for authentic leadership.
Onnie Allen
Onnie is a writer, director, and creative force behind Allen Performing Arts. She creates original musical productions drawn from lived experience, crafting powerful stories that make room for healing, joy, and connection. Onnie uses the stage to bring people together, spark reflection, and celebrate the transformative power of performance and shared storytelling.
Imani Muhammad
Imani is a youth advocate, speaker, and founder of Y.O.U.T.H. PDX, the organization she launched in 2010 to uplift young people and challenge the school-to-prison pipeline. A facilitator and coach-mentor, she leads with faith, purpose, and community at the center, empowering Black and Brown youth to dream, heal, and build lasting pathways to possibility.
Antoinette Edwards
Antoinette Edwards is a respected community leader and advocate who has spent years supporting young people and families throughout Portland. Known for her compassionate leadership and deep commitment to youth well-being, she has helped create spaces where young people feel seen, supported, and empowered to thrive.
As the former director of Portland’s Office of Youth Violence Prevention, Antoinette led community-centered efforts focused on healing, safety, opportunity, and connection. Her work continues to reflect a powerful belief that when families and communities come together with care and purpose, young people are better able to heal, grow, and step fully into their potential.
Bahia Cross holds an M.S.W. and is completing her Ph.D. in Social Work Research on African American female adolescents in foster care. As Executive Director of the Black Parent Initiative, she supports Portland's Black families through parent education, cultural identity, and health. She also serves as VP for Joy DeGruy Publications and on multiple boards including the Oregon Educator Equity Advisory Group.
Ajai Brown is a passionate educator, mentor, and community leader dedicated to empowering youth and uplifting women. Since 2019, she has taught psychology and education, and has managed multiple grants supporting health and wellness initiatives. She serves as Health and Wellness Chair and Interim Secretary for the NAACP, and Co-Chair for the ACT-SO program, mentoring youth talents. Above all, Ajai is a devoted mother rooted in faith, resilience, and helping others build brighter futures.
Tamra LaVette Hickok is Director of Data & Program Innovation at SEI, serving underserved youth for over two decades. A Jefferson High School and Lewis & Clark College graduate, she was SEI's first Employee of the Year (2007) and leads girls' basketball camps teaching confidence and empowerment. Raised by her grandmother, Tamra learned perseverance over victimhood. Now a mother of two, she teaches her children to "be a superhero to someone" daily, living as her mother's dream and her grandmother's legacy.
Tra'Renee is an Emmy and Telly Award-winning television and radio personality with over 30 years of experience in Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Portland — where she's known as "the face and voice of Portland, OR." She hosts the top-rated "Tra'Renee in the Midday" on JAM'N 107.5 (weekdays 10a-2p) and is host/executive producer of "Situations & Conversations" on Portland's CW and KOIN+ (Sundays at 12p). Tra'Renee is also a licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) and a devoted mother of three daughters.
Gini Ryles is a Business Banking Relationship Manager at U.S. Bank with over 18 years of experience in corporate banking, public-sector finance, and economic development. Growing up in North and Northeast Portland, she is committed to expanding access to capital and financial empowerment. She holds an MBA from Concordia University. Beyond banking, she is passionate about mentorship and youth advocacy, and moonlights as DJ Girl Next Door, inspired by music's power to connect people and shape culture.
Tamra LaVette Hickok is Director of Data & Program Innovation at SEI, serving underserved youth for over two decades. A Jefferson High School and Lewis & Clark College graduate, she was SEI's first Employee of the Year (2007) and leads girls' basketball camps teaching confidence and empowerment. Raised by her grandmother, Tamra learned perseverance over victimhood. Now a mother of two, she teaches her children to "be a superhero to someone" daily, living as her mother's dream and her grandmother's legacy.
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